Smart Construction Technologies and Sustainable Practices

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from lectures on smart construction technologies, sustainable construction methods, and earthmoving equipment.

Smart Construction Technology

Uses advanced tools and methods that leverage digital solutions to streamline the construction process, including IoT, AI, machine learning, robotics, and drones.

Smart Construction

Integration of innovative technologies into the construction process, enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Real-time monitoring and data collection from various sources on the construction site using devices that track equipment usage, environmental conditions, and worker safety.

Supervised Learning

Learning from labeled data.

Unsupervised Learning

Finding patterns in unlabeled data.

Reinforcement Learning

Learning by trial and error.

BIM (Building Information Modeling)

A digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building, enabling collaborative planning, designing, and construction.

Sustainable and Green Construction Methods

Approaches to building design, construction, and operation that prioritize environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Environmental Protection Agency definition of Sustainable Construction

Creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s lifecycle.

Sustainable Designs

Green design minimizes the construction practices that affect the environment - This strategy promotes net-zero objectives and provides organizations with long-term advantages like cheaper expenses, less energy use, and less labor

Durability

Using solid materials and construction techniques that can withstand the test of time to minimize maintenance and replacement.

Energy Conservation Building Code

Sets minimum energy performance standards for new commercial construction and major renovations.

Reduction of Waste

Encourages recycling, utilizing repurposed materials, and avoiding unnecessary new development.

Quality of Indoor Air

Design elements including solar chimneys, wind towers, ridge vents, high windows, porches, and clerestories can improve this even if efficiency airflow depends on specific location.

Green Roofs

Filled with vegetation, serve as an additional insulation layer that reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling, manage stormwater runoff, and provide a habitat for urban wildlife.

Solar Panels

Mitigate reliance on fossil fuels to cut down carbon emissions and offer significant savings on electricity.

Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Conserves water and mitigates stormwater runoff.

Insulated Concrete Forms

Interlocking, hollow blocks filled with concrete that provide exceptional insulation on both the interior and exterior.

Passive Solar Design

Capitalizes on natural light and warmth to heat and illuminate buildings.

Recycled and Sustainable Materials

Utilizing these is a hallmark of green building construction techniques.

Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

With superior insulation properties can significantly reduce energy loss, lower energy costs, and enhance comfort.

Low-VOC and Non-Toxic Materials

-Protects both environmental and human health
-These materials significantly reduce indoor air pollution for a healthier living environment

High-Efficiency HVAC Systems

Optimize energy use, significantly reduce electricity bills and carbon emissions and also provide superior indoor air quality and consistent conditions.

Living Walls

Introduce vegetation into the building design for natural insulation, improved air quality, and enhanced aesthetic appeal.

Excavation

Digging and removing earth.

Loading

Picking up material and placing it.

Hauling

Moving material.

Grading

Leveling and smoothing surface.

Earthmoving Equipment

Heavy machinery used in construction, mining, agriculture, and civil engineering to move, dig, push, or transport soil and other materials.

Bulldozer

A tractor unit with a blade attached to its front used to push, shear, cut, and roll material.

Front-End Loaders

Typically are tractor powered and operate on tires. - They are used primarily for material moving and re-handling - They are ideal for scooping and hauling materials in storage piles, where it is to be permanently placed, or loading it into dump trucks

Scrapers

Are designed to load, haul, and dump loose material. They can be used for a wide variety of material types and are economical for a range of haul distances and conditions

Excavators

Combines digging and lifting abilities and is ideal for digging and dumping into a dump truck or a pile.

Backhoes

Most common piece of construction equipment found on commercial construction projects - They come in many sizes and are ideal for light excavation, trenching, material moving, and loading

Front Shovels

Designed to dig above grade into the face of the excavation.

Cranes

Are considered typical and found on most construction jobs that require hoisting - Are large, heavy-duty machines designed to lift, move, and lower heavy objects - They are essential in construction, manufacturing, shipping, and other industries where there is a need to move large and heavy materials or equipment

Forklifts

Ideal for loading and unloading delivery trucks and moving material around the job site as well as placing material on the structure or scaffold.

Personnel Lifts

Play a supporting role and are ideal for hoisting men, tools, and equipment into position to secure structural components or materials in locations unreachable by a ladder or other means. They are typically tire equipped and selfpropelled and require a stable operating surface

Tower Cranes

Are one of the greatest construction equipment achievements - They are designed to work in congested areas - These cranes are a lifting device on top of a tower or mast

Construction Industry

One of the oldest and most significant sectors globally - Backbone of economic development for centuries

Technology

Cornerstone for innovation and advancement

AI and Machine Learning

Analyze data to predict the outcomes, optimize workflows, and identify potential issues before they arise - These technologies help automate tasks, improve accuracy and reduce human error

Robotics and Automation

Perform repetitive and hazardous tasks, increasing efficiency and safety

Drones and Aerial Imaging

Drones provide aerial views of construction sites, allowing for accurate surveying, monitoring, and inspection - They can capture high-resolution images and videos, essential for project management and documentation

Conserving Water

Water is the ultimate resource for everyone; all living organisms depend on water. - Preserving this life-supporting element is a duty for us. If we lower our excessive water consumption, we can save it for future generations

Blade

Used to push materials around

Tracks

helps it move on uneven ground

Ripper

claw like tool

Blade
Tracks
Ripper

Key Features of Bulldozer

Bucket
Arms
Wheel
Cab

Key Features of Front-end Loaders

Motor Graders

- This type of equipment has been around since the start of road building, though originally powered by a team of oxen, mules, or horses - Another name for a motor grade is “maintainer”